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How Do You Explain to the Recruiter Why You Want a New Job?

Posted February 21st, 2018

Looking for a new job can be a stressful process, especially when you face difficult questions. One query that you should always expect, which it can be hard to answer, is a question about why exactly you are looking for new work.

When you’re asked by a recruiter about why you’re hoping to find a new position, there are a few key things to keep in mind as you craft your answer.

Never be negative

One of the most important things to remember is that you should never badmouth your old boss or criticize your old job. Without any information to go on other than your word, the recruiter is likely to view you as a complainer and negative person if you have nothing but bad things to say about your past work. It’s more likely the recruiter will come to the conclusion that you are the problem, not your old job, and that the recruiter will be concerned you’ll soon be complaining about your new work. You don’t want to paint yourself in this light. It will be difficult for the recruiter to truly push you to their clients for an open position.

Provide a succinct answer you’ve practiced beforehand

You don’t want to ramble on for a long time or it can sound like you’re making excuses. Instead, you should write out a few bullet points briefly explaining your decision before you go to the interview and you should use those bullet points to craft a brief, polite answer. You can deliver your answer by looking the recruiter directly in the eye and plainly stating your reasons. They will take those bullet points and expand on them when working with a hiring manager who is looking for a great candidate.

Focus on your career goals

When you provide an answer, be forward-looking. Instead of focusing on how you’ve been held back in the past, explain the types of new opportunities you are looking for and the ways in which you hope to advance your career. Which of your skills will translate to the jobs you want? What are the areas you want to focus on and how can a new job help you get there?

Work with a top staffing agency in Stamford CT

Most people looking for a new job are hoping for an opportunity that will allow them to advance their career and to find a position they love. Vanguard Staffing can help to make that happen for you. Our skilled, experienced recruiters know how to help candidates find the jobs of their dreams. To find out more about how we can assist in your job search efforts, reach out to a creative staffing agency today.